Woman claims to have bomb, causes lockdown at Joint Base Andrews

WASHINGTON - Joint Base Andrews was placed on lockdown Thursday afternoon after a bomb threat was made at the Visitor Control Center.

According to the base’s Twitter account, at around 5:15 p.m., a woman walked into the base's Visitor Control Center and claimed to have a bomb strapped to her chest. After emergency responders arrived, it was found that the woman did not have an explosive device and she was apprehended.

An all-clear was later given, and just after 9 p.m., the base's Main Gate reopened.

The base also tweeted that missions have not been impacted and flights were not being redirected. Traffic on Allentown Road, civilian property or businesses around the area were not being impacted.

“Our people are our most valuable resource and we take every threat seriously,” said Col. Brad Hoagland, 11th Wing and JBA commander.

Located in Prince George's County in Maryland, Joint Base Andrews serves as a facility for the U.S. Air Force as well as the home for Air Force One, two aircraft that carry the President of the United States.

"The Visitor Control Center controls entry to Joint Base Andrews by identity proofing, vetting to determine the level of character and conduct determined necessary for the basis of access control decisions for individuals requesting and/or requiring access to installations, and issuance of access credentials," according to Joint Base Andrews' website.